UNRWA deplores suffering inflicted on civilians including Palestinians in Syria

The UN agency assisting Palestinian refugees - UNRWA has deplored the suffering inflicted on civilians, including Palestinians in Syria.

And it has called on all sides to do everything possible to ease it, including refraining from conducting the conflict in residential areas.

UNRWA says that over recent weeks, a particularly grave humanitarian crisis has emerged in the Rif Damascus Governorate, where several Palestine refugee camps are situated. It says that in areas which had already seen months of insecurity, armed engagements have intensified and a siege-like situation has become the context for severe suffering.

UNRWA says alongside Syrians, Palestine refugees who live in significant numbers in Rif Damascus are being killed, seriously injured, and displaced in much larger numbers than before.

According to the agency, Palestine refugees who remain in a number of are trapped in harsh conditions. They live under direct threat of harm from the conflict while external flight options remain limited. It says the Palestinians are experiencing acute shortages of food, water, electricity, health care, and other essential supplies.

UNRWA has called on all sides to conduct themselves in ways that safeguard human life; protect civilians; ensure safe and free movement for civilians and allow unimpeded access to UNRWA and other humanitarian agencies.